Winter Adventures: Skiing, Snowboarding, and Cozy Cabins in New Hampshire
Nestled just a short drive northwest of Manchester, the scenic Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln offers a quintessential New Hampshire winter playground where skiers and snowboarders of all levels converge amid the White Mountains. With 61 trails sprawling over 400 skiable acres, Loon Mountain boasts the Cascades Summit at 3,065 feet, providing exhilarating downhill runs framed by dense spruce forests and panoramic mountain vistas. The resort’s terrain parks appeal to boarders seeking jumps and rails, while families appreciate the gentle beginner slopes near the base lodge. What sets Loon apart is not just its varied terrain but its modern lifts and a vibrant après-ski scene in the neighboring town of Lincoln, making it a well-rounded winter destination best enjoyed on crisp, clear days when the snow sparkles under bright blue skies.
Further north, about an hour’s drive from Littleton, Bretton Woods stands out as New Hampshire’s largest ski area and home to the historic Mount Washington Hotel. This resort offers nearly 200 acres of skiing that stretches across a northwest-facing slope, providing some of the region’s most reliable snow conditions. The trails, such as the challenging “Ripsaw” and the scenic “Woodcutter,” weave through old-growth forests and open glades. Skiers here can soak in sweeping views of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. The blend of grand Victorian architecture and alpine adventure creates a unique atmosphere, especially magical in the late afternoon when the sunset casts golden light over the mountain. Bretton Woods also provides cross-country ski opportunities on its extensive Nordic trails, perfect for those who want a quieter winter escape.
In the Lakes Region, the Gunstock Mountain Resort sits just 20 minutes from Laconia and offers a family-friendly atmosphere coupled with impressive terrain diversity. The summit at 2,240 feet hosts intermediate runs like the “Fanny’s Forest” trail, which winds through towering pines dusted with snow. Gunstock’s appeal lies in its accessibility and the breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee framed by snow-covered hills. Visitors often combine skiing with a visit to the adjacent Gunstock Mountain Recreation Area, where snowshoeing and winter hiking trails provide alternatives to the slopes. Early morning visits here reveal frost-covered branches and quiet, untouched powder—conditions that elevate the peacefulness of a winter day.
For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, visitors venture to Carter Notch in the White Mountains, located about 30 minutes north of Gorham. The Carter Notch Trail, a moderate 2.5-mile trek, leads through a dramatic mountain pass to a frozen pond rimmed by towering cliffs. In winter, the trail rewards snowshoers and backcountry skiers with pristine powder and the chance to spot wildlife like moose or snowshoe hares against the snowy backdrop. The notch’s geological formation—a deep U-shaped valley carved by glaciers—adds to the wild beauty of the landscape. Winter afternoons here are especially serene, as the sun dips early, casting long shadows that emphasize the rugged terrain’s texture.
After a day on the slopes or trails, the small town of Jackson in the heart of the Mount Washington Valley offers a cozy, quintessential New England retreat about 45 minutes east of Littleton. Known for its covered bridges dusted in snow and charming village green, Jackson also hosts a number of rustic cabins and inns that provide fireplaces and hearty local fare. The village’s proximity to Wildcat Mountain allows for easy ski outings, while its picturesque Main Street invites visitors to unwind with a warm cup of cider or visit local galleries showcasing winter landscapes. In Jackson, the blend of old-world charm and mountain hospitality creates a comforting refuge on cold winter nights, making it a favorite for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Not far from Jackson, the Bretton Woods Nordic Center offers an extensive network of groomed cross-country ski trails that wind through peaceful forests and open meadows. About an hour’s drive northeast of Littleton, these trails showcase the quieter side of winter sports, where the only sounds are the soft glide of skis and occasional bird calls. The center’s terrain ranges from gentle loops suitable for beginners to more challenging routes that test endurance amid stunning views of the Presidential Range. Evening snowshoe tours under bright stars here provide a magical way to connect with New Hampshire’s natural winter beauty, unmatched by any downhill resort experience.
For those who want to combine winter sports with cultural history, the town of Franconia, about 90 minutes north of Concord, offers access to the Franconia Notch State Park and its iconic Cannon Mountain Ski Area. Cannon Mountain is notable not just for its challenging vertical drop—over 2,100 feet—but also for its historic aerial tramway, one of the oldest operating in the country. The park’s rugged landscape features the Flume Gorge, a natural granite gorge that is especially striking when frozen waterfalls and ice formations coat the cliffs in the colder months. Skiers and hikers here can immerse themselves in dramatic alpine scenery while stepping into a locale that tells the story of New Hampshire’s deep connection to winter recreation and conservation.
A short drive west from Concord leads to the charming town of Peterborough, known for its welcoming inns and the Peterborough Ski Area, a community-oriented hill ideal for families and beginners. Though modest in size, the ski area offers groomed trails and a friendly atmosphere surrounded by gently rolling hills and dense forest. Nearby, the Monadnock State Park offers winter hiking and snowshoeing trails that climb Mount Monadnock, one of the most frequently climbed mountains in the United States. The summit’s 3,165 feet elevation rewards adventurers with sweeping views of the surrounding snow-blanketed landscape. The combination of small-town warmth and accessible winter sports makes Peterborough an inviting spot for travelers seeking a quieter pace.
In southern New Hampshire, the Blueberry Hill Ski Area near Hollis, about 40 minutes southwest of Manchester, provides a local favorite for quick winter outings. Its gentle slopes are perfect for new skiers and families looking to build confidence without the crowds. The nearby Hollis Town Forest, with its network of easy snowshoe trails, complements the ski area by offering peaceful woodland adventures where visitors can spot animal tracks in the snow. The rural charm of this area is heightened in winter, when frost-laden trees form natural arches over the trails, creating a storybook setting for outdoor enthusiasts wanting a serene escape close to the city.
For lodging immersed in winter ambiance, the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa in Whitefield, about 25 minutes north of Littleton, delivers a luxurious cabin experience with sweeping views of the Presidential Range. The resort’s cozy rooms and cabins feature fireplaces and large windows that frame the snow-covered peaks, perfect for unwinding after a day on the nearby slopes of Cannon Mountain or hiking in the surrounding wilderness. The property’s historic charm, combined with its modern amenities, provides a unique blend of old and new New England hospitality. Winter mornings here